A Complete Guide to Navigating Medellín's Metro System
Getting Around Medellín's Metro System
Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Medellín using public transportation.
The system connects all major parts of the city through metro lines, cable cars, a tram, and buses.
Standard Fares
With Cívica Card: 3,650 COP ($0.93 USD)
Without Cívica Card (Tourist/Non-personalized): 3,650 COP ($0.93 USD)
Arví Cable Line (Line L)
General admission: 13,700 COP ($3.50 USD)
Cívica Card
Tourist/Non-personalized Cívica Card: 10,900 COP ($2.78 USD)
Getting Your Metro Card
You'll need a Cívica card to use any part of the transport system. Get one at any metro station by visiting the ticket window and asking for a "tarjeta Cívica turista or Cívica eventual."
Bring your passport and around 11,000 pesos. Load at least 50,000 pesos initially to explore the city comfortably.
The Metro Lines and Major Stations
The system has two main metro lines. Line A runs north-south through the valley, while Line B runs east-west.
Line A connects major stations like Poblado (the tourist and business district), Industriales (business area), San Antonio (the main transfer station), Parque Berrio (historic downtown), and Universidad (university area).
Line B starts at San Antonio and runs through stations like Cisneros (connects to administrative buildings) and Floresta (quiet residential area with decent food spots).
For Comuna 13, take Line B to San Javier station. From there, you can take a taxi or you can catch a public bus that takes you directly to the famous escalators. The bus stop is right outside the station, just look for other tourists heading that way.
The Metrocable Lines
Line K connects Acevedo station to Santo Domingo. Stops: Andalucía, Popular, Santo Domingo. Main gateway to Line L to Arví Park.
Line J starts at San Javier station, connects western hillside neighborhoods. Stops: Juan XXIII, Vallejuelos, La Aurora. Best views of Comuna 13.
Line H begins at Oriente station (end of tram line). Serves Villa Sierra neighborhood.
Line M also starts at Oriente station. Goes up to Pan de Azúcar hill.
Line P connects 27 de Febrero station to El Progreso neighborhood. Newest line in the system.
Line L runs from Santo Domingo to Arví Park. Only line with extra fare (11,000 pesos). 20-minute ride over forest reserve.
Practical info: Cabins fit 8-10 people. System stops for high winds. All lines except L are included in regular metro fare. First cable car starts at 4:30 AM, last one varies by line but usually around 10 PM.
Transfer stations:
Acevedo: Lines K and main metro
San Javier: Line J and main metro
Oriente: Lines H, M and tram
Santo Domingo: Lines K and L
Getting to Parque Arví
To reach Parque Arví, take Line A to Acevedo station, transfer to Cable Line K to Santo Domingo, and then hop on Cable Line L to Parque Arví.
The park cable car is the only part of the metro system that costs extra, about 14,000 pesos one way.
Regular metro fares cover you until Santo Domingo, but Line L to the park requires this additional ticket. Buy it at the Santo Domingo station before boarding. The views during this 20 minute cable car ride are wild.
The Tranvía (Tram Line)
The tram connects San Antonio station on Line A with the eastern neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Miraflores. It follows Ayacucho street and stops at eight stations: San Antonio, San José, CEFA, Bicentenario, Buenos Aires, Miraflores, Loyola, and Oriente.
At Oriente station, you can transfer to two more cable car lines: Line H to Villa Sierra and Line M to Pan de Azúcar. These give you views of the eastern hills.
The tram runs about every 5 minutes during rush hour and every 7-10 minutes other times. Your regular metro fare covers the tram and any transfers within 90 minutes. The cars are modern and air conditioned, with space for bikes and wheelchairs.
Metroplus and Green Feeder Buses
Metroplus buses run on dedicated lanes, making them faster than regular buses. The green feeder buses connect outer neighborhoods to metro stations.
Useful Apps for Navigation
Download the official Metro de Medellín app to check train times, plan routes, and get service updates in real-time. The Cívica app lets you check your card balance and reload it directly from your phone. Both apps work in English and Spanish.
Making Connections
You get 90 minutes to transfer between different parts of the system using one fare. Just stay inside the stations when making connections. The system runs from about 4:30 AM until 11 PM.
Some Tips
During rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), trains get packed. The metro police at stations can help with directions. No food or drinks allowed in the system. Join the organized queues on platforms rather than crowding around doors.
The stations have clear signs in Spanish and English, and most station staff understand basic English. If you're staying out late, have a backup plan since service ends around 11 PM.
Interesting fact about safety: the metro system helped transform Medellín. Local pride in the system shows in how clean and well-maintained it stays. Follow the usual precautions with your belongings, especially in crowded stations.
Cultura Metro
The metro in Medellín works differently than most city metros. People keep it spotless, stay quiet in the cars, and line up without being told to. This started in the 90s when the metro first opened and locals treated it like gold during tough times in the city.
You'll see kids being taught by their parents how to act on the metro. Schools even take students there to learn proper metro behavior. If you break one of the unwritten rules, like eating or playing music, someone will quietly let you know.
No one needs to enforce these habits. It's just become part of daily life in Medellín, passing down through generations. The metro showed that when a city decides to protect something together, it sticks.
